Stroke Doesn’t Discriminate: How a Toddler’s Medical Emergency Became a Call to Action
FAIRFIELD, April 10, 2025— Most people think of stroke as something that happens to older adults. But the truth is, stroke doesn’t discriminate—not by age, gender or background. It can strike anyone, even the youngest and most innocent among us. Thea Mihaly is proof of that.
Just weeks before her second birthday, Thea’s life changed in an instant. One morning, she woke up like any other day. But as the hours passed, her mother, Brenna Mihaly, noticed something wasn’t right. Thea seemed unusually tired. By lunchtime, she was struggling to sit up, her tiny body suddenly unable to bear its own weight. Then her face began to droop.
“Recognizing the signs of a stroke, I immediately sent videos to her dad, who is a firefighter with the city of Danbury,” Brenna said. “Without hesitation, he knew something was terribly wrong.”
Time was critical. Within moments, Thea was rushed to the hospital by ambulance and then flown by helicopter to the children’s hospital. As Brenna entered the trauma room, surrounded by a team of doctors and nurses, she heard the devastating words no parent expects: Thea had suffered a stroke.
Every second counts in a stroke. The faster a person receives medical attention, the better their chances of survival and recovery. That’s why knowing the signs and acting F.A.S.T. can save lives:
✔ F – Face drooping
✔ A – Arm weakness
✔ S – Speech difficulty
✔ T – Time to call 911
“The reality of a child having a stroke is something no one expects or prepares for,” Brenna said. “How could this be happening? That day, Thea’s life was forever changed.”
Thea spent days in the pediatric intensive care unit, facing an uphill battle. The simplest tasks—talking, eating, sitting, walking—became challenges she had to conquer all over again. Yet through every setback, Thea fought.
Thea is not just a survivor—she is a warrior. Her strength and spirit inspire everyone around her. This May—Stroke Awareness Month—she will be honored as the Red Cap Ambassador at the 2025 Fairfield Heart Walk on May 10 at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, C.T. She will take the stage as a symbol of hope for the countless families affected by heart disease and stroke, proving that the fight against cardiovascular disease knows no age limits.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible doctors and therapists who have guided Thea through her recovery, but no family should ever have to go through what we did,” Brenna said. “Stroke doesn’t wait. It doesn’t discriminate. It can strike anyone—even the youngest, most precious among us. That’s why we are sharing Thea’s story: to sound the alarm, to raise awareness and funds for the American Heart Association and to help save lives. If just one parent learns the warning signs and acts F.A.S.T. because of Thea, then this fight will have been worth it.”
Join Thea in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Be part of the movement to save lives by registering for the Fairfield Heart Walk at www.fairfieldcountyheartwalk.org or contacting Travis Tam at Travis.Tam@heart.org for more details.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Bong Arquiza: Bong.Arquiza@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
